Four Taken To Hospital After Winter Haven Vehicle Crash

Tuesday

Two drivers and two children were taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center on Tuesday after a collision between two large vehicles sent both into opposite shoulders on Recker Highway.

WINTER HAVEN | Two drivers and two children were taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center on Tuesday after a collision between two large vehicles sent both into opposite shoulders on Recker Highway.

About 7:40 a.m., a maroon 2005 Chevrolet Suburban was headed west on Recker Highway. For unknown reasons, an eastbound white 2002 GMC cargo van crossed the center line and hit the Suburban, Winter Haven police said.

The impact sent the van into trees along the north shoulder, pinning the driver, Randy Witzel, 53, of Auburndale, in the seat.

The Suburban skidded into brush on the southern shoulder, shearing off the driver's-side front wheel at the axle, taking the brake disk and one of the tie rods with it, police said.

Its driver, Jessica Baker, of Winter Haven, was airlifted to Lakeland Regional as a trauma alert. The driver of the GMC was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

The drivers were in serious condition after the crash, police said, but were stable Wednesday. Witzel had surgery for his injuries Tuesday, and Baker is schedule to undergo surgery Wednesday. Both are expected to fully recover.

The children, who were passengers in the Suburban, were in car seats, but were taken to the hospital by family members as a precaution.

Winter Haven police were on the scene taking measurements and marking skid marks and large debris in the morning drizzle while both lanes of the road were blocked for a quarter mile north of 21st Street Southwest.

The crash is still under investigation.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.